The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Roeselare

creation of a new wooded area

The Elf King

Dadizele has been a renowned place of pilgrimage since the 15th century. Pilgrims worship the statue of Our Lady and Child there. Construction of the basilica began in 1857 in response to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. Monsignor Malou, Bishop of Bruges, wanted a monumental church for his diocese to honor this dogma. The plans were by the English architect Welby Pugin. The church of Dadizele was elevated to a basilica in 1882 by Pope Leo XIII. Along with the Chapel of the Holy Blood in Bruges and the abbey church of Zevenkerken, the Basilica of Our Lady is the only basilica in the diocese. The beautiful stained-glass windows depict not only the history of the church but also various facts from the life of Mary. In the crypt, we see the tomb, spurs, gloves, and sword of Knight Jan van Dadizele. The basilica is a protected monument and remains very popular, especially during the pilgrimage months of May and September. Source: toerismedadizele.be

For centuries, Mariënstede Castle was the residence of the noble de Croix family. However, it is not certain whether Knight Jan van Dadizele lived here. In June 1699, Ignace Ferdinand de Croix (1660-1745) had the castle of the Bleutour estate (Berquin, northern France) demolished stone by stone and transported here by workers from Dadizele to build a new castle. Due to a lack of stone, he established two brickworks in Dadizele to ensure sufficient material. The building was completed in the early 18th century. During World War I, it was captured by the Germans and severely damaged by Allied bombardments in the summer and autumn of 1917. After the war, the right wing was demolished. The castle became much smaller in size. In 1953, the de Bouillé family sold the entire estate to the Diocese of Bruges. Maria Assumpta became a retreat house for priests. The arches on the facade, the chapel on the right, and the outbuilding on the left date from that period. In 1985, Mariënstede became a residential and work environment for adults with disabilities. Château Superette, a shop selling fair-trade products and products made by the residents, serves as the ideal link between the local population and the castle's residents. In January 2015, the canopy was demolished, and the facade regained its former charm. Source: toerismedadizele.be

Local artist Willy Van de Bussche (1934-2025) created this statue of Knight Jan van Dadizele and donated it to the municipality in July 2004. Jan III van Veerdeghem, or Jan van Dadizele (Jehan de Dadizele), was born in Dadizele on February 23, 1432, and was a late medieval knight. He was the eldest son of Jan II and Katharina Patyn. On July 29, 1455, he married Katheline Breydel, a daughter of Jacob Breydel and Katheline van der Beurse. Breydel and Van der Beurse were two important and influential families from Bruges. His aunt was Gille de Dadiselle (1420-1506), abbess at Marquette Abbey near Lille. He lived in the castle in Dadizele, Mariënstede, and was a close confidante of Mary of Burgundy. He participated in several battles in the service of the Burgundian dukes. His most important battle was probably the Battle of Guinegate on August 7, 1479. On February 28, 1477, Jan van Dadizele became high bailiff of Ghent. At one point, Jan van Dadizele feared a civil war in Flanders and tried to reason with Maximilian (in his crackdown on the cities). For this reason, he is said to have traveled to Antwerp at Maximilian's request. However, he was murdered there on October 20, 1481. Mary of Burgundy always maintained that Maximilian had nothing to do with Jan's death. Who knows? Mary herself died on March 27, 1482, five months after Jan van Dadizele's death. His mausoleum is in the crypt of the basilica of Dadizele. Source: toerismedadizele.be

't Torreke was once a gateway to Dadizele Castle. Until World War I, an identical tower with a council chamber existed on the other side of the wall along Plaats. In 1977, the park and its buildings were purchased by the municipality. What is now the municipal domain of 't Torreke formerly consisted of stables, a coach house, and a caretaker's house. The steward's house on Remi Dewittestraat was demolished in 1983. In 1990, the municipality officially opened the restored section as 't Torreke Cultural Centre. Above the gateway is the coat of arms of the de Croix family, lords of Dadizele. Source: toerismedadizele.be

't Torreke is the name of both the building that now houses the Community Center and the adjacent grounds. In the grounds, you'll find the library ("De Boekerij"), the Tourist Office, and Chateau Superette, a local shop where you can find local regional and farm specialties or simply enjoy a coffee and a local beer. In the park stands the bust of Knight Jan van Dadizele, sculpted by Willy Van den Bussche... ...and the statue "De Pompeschitter" (The Pompeschitter) also stands (or rather, sits) in this grounds.

This sculpture, titled "The Smallest Cheese Factory in the Country," is by Dadizele artist Willy Van den Bussche (1934-2025). It dates from 2000. Mariënstede, a facility for people with intellectual disabilities, has been making cheese in the small cheese factory in the castle since 1985—with a brief interruption. Ridder Jan is a Gouda made with fresh milk from a local farm... and is (therefore) now recognized as a 100% West Flemish regional product.